List of Reptiles that have Spikes on their Tails

Reptiles developed millions of years ago and often retain the superficial appearance of their ancestral dinosaur heritage. While dinosaurs had spiked tails for defense, modern reptiles have spiny tails rather than true spikes. Spines are specialized scales, often growing in a more upright position than the other scales on the reptile. The spiny quality of these scales provides some defense and can be used as weapons when their tails are swung at an attacker.

  1. Snakes

    • The rainbow snake has a single spike on the end of its tail. It is a very colorful, non-venomous snake from Florida. Other snakes with single spikes on the tips of their tails include the Western worm snake and the red-bellied mud snake. The spike on the end of the tail can be used to help some snakes move through the soil.

    Thorny Devils

    • Thorny devils are covered in sharp spines, including the tail. The spines, and the special way the thorny devil tucks its head out of the way, keeps predators from being able to swallow them easily.

    Horned Lizards

    • Horned Lizards have a flat, broad body giving them a slightly toad-like appearance. These lizards use their bony horns as a defense mechanism; they can also puff up their bodies to display their various spines. If the horns and spines don't do the trick, some of these lizards can shoot blood out of their eyes to deter predators.

    Spiny-tailed Lizards

    • Spiny-tailed lizards include species such as the rainbow benti and Bent's spiny-tailed lizard. Spiny-tailed lizards are found in the deserts of places like North Africa or the Middle East.

    Iguanas

    • Many iguanas have spiny tails. In fact, superficial spines cover the uppermost part of their bodies. They start at the head from just behind the eyes, go down the the backbone, and can cover some or all of the tail. The tails are used as whips when fighting; some species will detach their tails if they are attacked.

    Crocodilia Order

    • Gharials have smooth heads and the spines that start further down their bodies.

      Crocodilians include alligators, crocodiles and gharials. Each of these animals have upright scales on their backs and tails. The scales are used as solar panels, gathering the energy needed to heat the large reptiles. These reptiles often use their tails as powerful weapons for fighting.